Balsamic Butter Asparagus

I am finally unpacked and settled after my extended California vacation to visit family and friends. Time to get back to eating better! To start off right, I have been making healthier meals, like simple herbed chicken and butternut squash soup. In keeping with this theme, I decided to bake some asparagus for lunch! I just had to jazz it up a bit, but if you want to keep it simple, just season with olive oil, salt and pepper, and bake. Either way, it will be delicious! Happy cooking!

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 bunch fresh asparagus
Cooking spray or olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. soy sauce

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Rinse and thoroughly dry the asparagus bunch. Snap the ends off of each asparagus (can also just trim instead). Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Coat with baking spray or olive oil and season with a little bit of salt.

I think Stonewall Jackson approves!

3. Bake asparagus for 12 minutes, or until tender.

4. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to brown before removing it from the heat. This will take about 1-2 minutes max.

Stir in the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.

Pour mixture over the asparagus and enjoy!